It is now just two months until a new operator takes over one of the most important rail services in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

West Midlands Trains will launch operations on December 10 on the franchise currently operated by London Midland.

Officially known as the West Midlands franchise, it encompasses a host of routes including the key Cross City line between Redditch and Lichfield via New Street station and services from London to the West Midlands and Birmingham to the North West.